Eleanor Florian

Eleanor F. Florian, 84 of Decatur, died on Monday March 26, 2012 at Decatur Memorial Hospital, Decatur, IL. Funeral services will be 1:30 P.M., Friday, March 30, 2012, at Trinity Lutheran Church, Decatur, IL, with visitation 5 to 7 P.M., Thursday, March 29, at Brintlinger and Earl Funeral Home, Decatur, IL. Burial will be in Graceland Cemetery, Decatur, IL. Memorials may be made to Trinity Lutheran Church or LSA. Eleanor was born on February 12, 1928 in Decatur, into the loving family of Timothy Carl Wood and Nora Dell (Roche) Wood. From an early age Eleanor was nurtured by many of the relatives and friends that were part of her long and blessed life. She grew up surrounded by two loving sisters and a brother as well as the many cousins, aunts, and grandparents that lived with the Wood family. Being rather shy, she was given elocution lessons and presented readings of poetry and scripture at church on Sundays. Eleanor still enjoyed reciting one particular poem she learned at the age of 10 to her grandchildren. She attended Decatur High School and graduated as part of the Mid-year graduating class of 1946. In high school, she built strong bonds of friendship with many classmates that she would preserve over many years. She helped to organize the many reunions still held by the class. The most important event of her life happened in high school when she met the love of her life, Gary Florian. It would take her completing nurses training and Gary finishing Millikin and a tour of duty in the Pacific before they were married on June 30, 1951. Eleanor worked as a nurse at Decatur and Macon County Hospital and for Dr. Woodword for five years before having their son Greg. After that, she chose to stay at home and raise her son and manage her home in Home Park. With Gary building many of the homes in Home Park, Eleanor would use her gifts of hospitality and fellowship to continue building lasting friendships with many neighbors. Gary operated his business out of his house which meant that on any given day and any given time, Eleanor may be feeding whomever he was meeting or had invited during the day. She was always gracious even though cooking was not a favorite activity. She truly enjoyed the company of her sisters, brother, and their families whether it was a holiday meal, or a fish fry in back yard. The companionship of her sisters continues while playing bridge weekly and took great pleasure in a Friday night meal at the Legion. Eleanor was a member of Trinity Lutheran Church where she and Gary attended for over sixty years. She was quiet but firm in her faith. A Bible was always close as she found encouragement in many passages. Eleanor was a life member of the Beta Sigma Phi sorority and a member of her chapter for over 50 years. Here again, her pleasant smile and quiet demeanor, has allowed her to stay in close touch with these friends. Eleanor and Gary were married over 50 years. Their marriage provided many wonderful times and trips. They particularly loved their time spent in Florida. They were also very proud of their two grand children Nick and Colin Florian. Eleanor was always pleased to share the boy's last sporting event or concert she attended and their progress with school. In her final days, Eleanor commented that she had lived a blessed life. Rich in so many ways because of the love she received from her husband, family, and friends over her 84 years. She felt that so many people had touched her life when the truth is that she touched so many. Here legacy of care and compassion will live on with those who had the opportunity to be around her. She is survived by her son Greg Florian and wife Leenie; grandsons Nick and Colin Florian; and sisters Helen Binkley and Mary Ann Grohne, all of Decatur, IL. She was preceded in death by her parents and brother Robert Wood. "
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